Automatic signaling device for trains



C. E. BECKWITH DECD.

M. L. BECKWITH, ADMINISTRATRIX. v AUTOMATIC SIGNALING DEVICE FOR TRAINS.

1 APPLICATION FILED JULY 24,1916- 1,349,708. Patented Aug. 17, 1920.

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AUTOMATIC SIGNALING DEVICE FOR TRAINS.

' APPLICATION FILED JULY 24.1916. 1,349,708. v P tented Aug. 17, 1920.

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AP PLICATION FILED JULY 4, I916- Patfintg'd A'ugn. 1-7, 1920.

15 -15 1 swans-suing (2x245: flee/7101772 v UNITED STATES CHARLES E. BEGKWITH, F PEORIA, ILLINOIS; MAME L. BECKWITH ADMINISTRATRIX PATENT OFFICE.

OF SAID CHARLES E. BECKWI'I'H, DECEASED.

AUTOMATIC SIGNA L IIiI'G DEVEIICE FOR TRAINS.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented A lg, 1'7, 1920,

Application filed Jui 24, 1916. 'Serial No. 110,317..

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Crnxnnns E. BECK- WITH, citizen of the United United States, residing at Peoria, in the county of Peoria and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Signaling Devices for Trains; and I hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to a signaling apparatus for railway trains. It relates more particularly to an alarm apparatus by which to automatically signal an engineer that his train is in danger because of obstructions on the track.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for sounding an alarm or making visible a signal in thecab of an engine so that the engineer will receive a positive signal whereby he may govern the movements of his train with respect to another train or a wreck ahead of him.

Another object is to provide a new and novel mechanism for causing the sounding or display of a signal in the cab of the engine to replace the common railway torpedoes. Still another object is to provide a new and novel form of mechanism for sounding or displaying a signal in the cab of an engine in conjunction with a suitable form of device placed upon the rail.

Another and important object of the 111- vention is the provision of a new and novel form of mechanism 'for sounding a signal or displaying a signal in the engine cab conjunction with the air-line oil? the train and a form of device placed upon the rail to operate with such air line.

Besides the above objects the invention has for its further object to produce a new and novel arrangement of parts in a signaling apparatus.

It has been common practice to give a danger signal to the engineer of a moving train by such means as a torpedo for ex ample, placed on the rail to be exploded by the wheel of the train one or more of such torpedoes being used as required by a code of signaling. By reason of the scarcity of certain ingredients entering into the manufacture of suchtorpedoes the expense of their manufacture has become almost prohibitive. This form of signal has certain disadvantages also in that it not a positive signal in that the wheels of the locomotive sometimes push the torpedoes from the rail so that they are not exploded, or as sometimes happens in becoming wet the torpedo is rendered useless. Furthermore, the explosion of a torpedo is not always heard by the en ginemen due to noises in and about the engine. It is evident, therefore, that a signal within the cab of the engineer at least at such a point that the eng'inemen can positively hear or see it is required for the safety of the train and human lives. The above has caused the demand for a more positive form of signal and one that the engineer is sure to observe whether a whistle, hell. or other sounding device, or a visible signal, orboth.

The mechanism for accomplishing this purpose is mounted on a part of the 1ocomotive and designed to engage a device secured upon the rail as stated. in the objects. As also stated, in making use of such a mechanism I preferably connect it with the usual air-line of the train causing the operation of the visible signal or the sounding signal,

or both if desired, through a valve having control, of the air, said. valve being operated from the said device on the rail.

It is to be stated, however, that other meclr anism may be adopted for engaging said device such as a mechanical form of operating device not depending upon a gas for the operation of the signal.

To the end that my invention may be understood I have provided the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 shows a locomotive with my invention attached thereto.

Fig.2 is a, plan of the invention, much enlarged, shown secured to the boxing of a truck.

Fig. 3 is an elevation of the same.

Fig. 4 shows an extended guard in perspective.

Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows in perspective a trip for attachment to the rail by means of which the mechanism on the locomotive is operated.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of parts-shown in Fig. 3 reproduced on a greatly enlarged scale.

Fig. 8 is a transverse section of portions shown in Fig. 7; and, 7

Fig. 9 is a cross section of a valve-stem shown in Fig. 7 4

Before entering upon a detailed description of my mechanism I desire to make it understood that I am aware that signaling devices other than the old type of torpedo have been used but these are not so designed as to be positive in operation or produce the best results in furnishing signals in times of need.

Figures and reference characters correspond in the drawings and specification.

A indicates a ournal or boxing of the forward .trucks of a locomotive. To this is secured in any suitable manner a forwardly extending bracket B which includes an extension 0 arranged at an angle to the main portion, preferably at right angles, so as to place its forward extremity in front of the truck wheel, represented at D, and directly above the railindicated at E. In being attached to the journal or boxing that part of my invention carried by the locomotive will have neither a lateral or a vertical movement relatively to the rail and thereby said mechanism will be caused to maintain a substantially fixed distance above the rail with practically no side swing, the reason of which will become'apparent later herein.

F is a casting or forging, or a member otherwise created, uprisingfrom which is a yoke portion G. receiving into it the said extensionC of the bracket B, said extension-being reduced in diameter as shown in Fig. 2 at G so as to leave a shoulder G against which the yoke at one side may abut.

A member such as a screw H enters a threaded recess H in the said extension C, the head of said screw furnishing an abutment for the opposite side of the yoke, both abutments serving as guides for the yoke in an up and down movement permitted by the opening in said yoke. Theextension C is preferably square or rectangular in cross section so that the yoke will be maintained in an upright position at all times.

However, other ways of mounting the member F upon the-extension C may be employed that will answer in permitting the described vertical movement of the yoke while preventing tilting movement thereof in a vertical plane.

The member F has a forwardly and downwardly inclined arm J terminating in a forward extension K from which extremity depends a guard L. This guard as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and l, particularly, is substantially A-shaped and its point or apex is in advance of the outlying obliquely disposed extensions M thereof. N represents a housing closed on all sides but open at its top and adapted to be secured to the under side of said member F by suitable means, for example an integral ear 0 and a bolt P. In the bottom wall it of the housing is a slot Q through which an operating lever S extends. Said lever is pivoted at its upper end between a pair of cars T preferably depending from the said member F. The lower end of the lever is preferably provided with a forwardly extending hooked portion S. The pivot for the lever may consist of a pin T which, for purposes of ease of assembling the parts, extends entirely through the side walls of the housing and the said ears, and said pin may thus also assist in securing the housing to said member. The lower or outer surface of the wall R is described from the pivot point of 35 the lever S and said lever is provided with a correspondingly curved covering plate U for said slot Q, which prevents entrance of snow and water into said housing.

V is a valve-casing secured in suitable manner to the rear side of the described housing, for example, by means of an ear and a bolt'Q. Said casing is furnished with a wall 3 which divides its hollow interior into two compartments 4- and 5 and said wall is provided with a bore through which extends a valve-stem (3 adapted to bear upon the rear side of the upper end of the lever S. 7 is a valve carried on the stem adapted to rest in a seat provided for it in the wall 3.

8 is a screw plug engaging the inner wall surface of the chamber 4 and provided with a recess 9 axially in line with the bore in the wall 3 to receive the rear end of the said stem 6. A spring 10 interposed between the plug and the valve serves to hold the said valve normally upon its seat. The stem may be constructed so that when the valve is unseated the air can freely pass from one chamber to the other. As an example, the stem is grooved at 6 just forward of the valve 7. as shown in Fig. 9, though other etniivalent forms of valve-stem may be adopted.

11 is a pipe for conducting air into the chamber 41 from the air-line on the engine and indicated at 12 in Fig. 1. Said pipe.

11 has threaded engagement with the casing and opens into the chamber or cavity it. while a lock-nut 13 on said pipe serves to secure the said casing to the member F. 11- 2 is a similar pipe connected into the chamber 5 and a lock-nut 15 thereon serves the same purpose as the described lock-nut 13. By this structure the said pipes 11 and 11 and the bolts P and 2 clamp the described honsing N and the chamber V practically as a single member very securely to the member F.

16 is a pipe terminating at one end within the engine cab and furnished with a signal such as a whistle 17, for example, or any other signaling device may be employed such as a bell, oras stated in the outset, a flag or target, it not being my wish to be confined to any special form of such signal.

The forward terminus of the pipe 16 is connected preferably by a piece of flexible tubing 18 with the described pipe 1a and a similar flexible tubing 19 connects the pipe 11. with a stub 20 connected, for example, by means of a T 21 into the described airline, the flexible tubing yielding in the various movements of the pipes 12 and 16 with the engine, the pipes 11 and l l since secured on the boxing A being practically stationary as to vertical or lateral movements.

Extending from opposite sides of the housing N is a stud 22 each of which receives a wheel 23 both constituting guards for the mechanism described, particularly the lower extended end of the lever S which is designed to hang approximately one and one half inches above the rail surface.

One of the oflices of the wheels, also, is that of raising the member F and its suspended mechanism relative to the extension U should an obstruction be met which might result in giving a false signal in the cab by striking said lever S.

Preferably the arm J is widened just forward of the yoke G and carried over the forward edges of the wheels as indicated in Figs. 2 and 5 whereby tokeep out snow, water and debris. I desire to state, however, that in place of the wheels other suitable members may be providedthat will serve the same end, i. e. in lifting the apparatus over obstructions and preventing false alarms.

The upper surface of the arm J is preferably beveled from its middle line outward toward its edges so that it will readily clear itself of snow and ice that maywlie upon the "ail,and for a like reason the head L is pointed in the manner described and shown. The latter by being perfectly rigid and being very strong will push from the rail any heavy movable obstructions, but it may be otherwise arranged whereby it will yield and pass over )I'ojecting rail ends and yet be suiiiciently unyielding to brush aside the mentioned movable obstructions. By this means the apparatus will be in no dangerof being broken or disarranged. w

I haveillustrated '1 Fig. 6 a trip for attachment to the rail employed for engaging the lever S to cause the operation of'the signaling mechanism.

2a is a spring adapted to be clipped over the head of the rail and substantially fitting the same, the terminals lying beneath the said head. The upper portion of the spring is provided with two pairs of spaced slits 25 to create the portions 26 lying longitudinally of the spring which may be struck up slightly. to permit the entrance of the terminals of a wire loop which is the portion adapted to engage the lever. This loop is prefe ably made of a single length of wire bent at substantially its middle to form a substantially horizontally disposed portion 27, the wire at each side of the latter being formed into depending portions 28, each said portion preferably having a coil as at 29 to add flexibility, the terminals 80 extending beneath the portions 26, thence being bent substantially at right angles and toward one another and adapted to rest upon the rail, the portions 26 being afterward forced. or clamped down upon the said terminals.

The described horizontally disposed. portion 27 of the lo op is provided with a V- shaped bend, as shown, to substantially conform to the pointed form of the guard L. By being thus formed said portion will center itself upon said guard but this will be described more fully in the description of the operation.

While I have described the preferred method of constructing the device shown in Fig. 6, it is evident that other methods may be used that will answer the same end, the whole object being to provide a spring that will be thoroughly strong so as to stand blows from the guard L beneath which it must pass and the blow of the lever S.

The operation of the apparatus follows A trip is placed upon the rail as shown in Fig. The guard L first strikes the stop since'that member must preferably hang low enough to meet and push away obstructions. As said guard is pointed and the part 27 of the trip is correspondingly bent the loop formed by'the said part 27 and the portions 28 will properly be centered upon said guard and pass beneath it afterward instantly regainmg an upright position whereupon and meeting the lever S the wheels 23 pass each side of it. As the lever is thus brought against the loop it is.

moved on its pivot to open the valve 7. The latter having opened, the air under pressure in the cavity l instantly rushes into the cavity 5 and thence tothe signal at 1.7 in the cab. Although the hook S on the lever maynot be employed, its use is preferable since positive engagement of the spring therewith is assured and a pull of the latter thereon results in an absolutely positive opening of the valve. After the signal has been given the spring 10 together with the air pressure upon the valve will instantly close the latter ready for a succeeding operation. The trip may be placed upon the rail by means of the tool known as a torpedo fork commonly used to place a torpedo in position.

In practice one signal requires the engineer to run slowly and a second signal requires him to stop his trainand my deviceis peculiarly fitted to thus signal .in a very positive manner.

It has been stated herein that the app-a.- ratus is mounted. upon the truck boxing A or at least. some portion that will have neither a lateral or a vertical movement. Thus mounted the lever S and the guard L will always maintain a certain definite re lation to the rail and, therefore, will always properly meet the trip on the latter so that positive results will aways be obtained.

My invention has certain peculiar advantages among which is the important one of having in advance of the lever S the described guard L and the arm J that carries it,both-of which serve to keep the snow and ice cleared from the rail so that said lever will not be moved thereby and thus sound the signal by accident; also that loose solid objects that may by chance lie upon the rail will be pushed aside ashas already been touched upon herein, which advantages are entirely new and novel.

It is clear that any obstacle or evenheavy packed snow that may be wet and become frozen might -cause the movement ofthe lever and the chance operation of thesigna-ling device but the guard L moving in advance of the lever removes this chance and the wheels 23, or their equivalent, also serve'to crush and break the sno and ice, or, failing in that, the wheels will lift the structure'with the lever in-the manner previously described thereby making absolutely sure of the non-action of said lever.

Since the rigid guard is employed it is necessary, of course, to furnish the operating trip on the rail of a flexible type since that member must extend sufficiently above the rail to engage the lever. Its flexibility permits it to readily pass beneath the guard but it instantly regains its upright position so as to be positively engaged by the lever and the guard is sufiiciently in advance of the leverto permit the trip to regain its normal position before thelever reaches it. Said trip, although it can be differently constructed from that shown and described, is preferably in a looped or open form so that the lever-hook S will actually enter it.'

I may make various slight changes in the construction of the apparatus as may be found desirable, both from the standpoint of keeping down the cost of manufacture and with a view to producing the bestresults in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims. For instance, in sections of the country where snow and ice is not encountered theguard L need not be used in which event theguards at the side of the lever will be suflicient to remove solid objects that may lie upon the rail and which might perhaps operate'the lever S-while the trip may be an unyielding upstanding one, as a finger, that will pass between the guides and operate the lever, said trip including an opening, if desired, to receive the hook S which will afterward pass out of it as the lever advances.

Having thus described my invention. I claim i 1. A device for the purposes described for trains including in its construction a portion for suspension above one of the track rails and a valve casing, said casing having a diaphragm separating it into two coinpartments and provided with an opening, an elastically held valve normally seated upon and closing said opening including av stem extending outside the casing, a pivotally mounted lever in position to engage the stem and depending in position to engage an obstruction on said rail, a housing inclosing a portion of the lever and having a slot through and out of which said lever extends, the latter having a covering plate for said slot.

2. A device for the purposes described for trains including in its construction a portion for suspension above a track rail. a lever pivotally suspended therefrom, a rolling disk journaled upon the said portion one at each side of the lever. the edges of the disks depending below the lower extremity of the lever. and mechanism by which to produce a signal, the same being in position on said portion to be operated by said lever.

3. A device forthe purposes described for trains including in its construction a bracket attached rigidly to one of the trucks of the train, a portion mounted thereon arranged for vertical movement relatively to the truck, a lever depending from said portion, a rolling disk journaled upon the portion at each side of said lever, and mechanism through which to produce a signal, the same being in position on said portion to be operated by said lever.

4. A device for the purposes described for trains including in its construction, a portion for suspension above a track rail, av lever pivotally suspended therefrom. a rolling disk journaled upon the said portion, one at each side of the lever, mechanism by which to produce a signal, the same being in position on said portion to be operated by said lever, and a. guard projecting from the portion in advance of the disks and said lever.

5. A device for the purposes described including in its construction a portion for suspension from the truck of a train. a housing depending from said portion. a lever pivotally suspended within said housing and extending outside the same at its bottom, a disk journaled on each side of the housing protecting the lever at each side,

lift) and mechanism by which to produce a signal in position on said portion to be engaged by said lever. v

(3. Mechanism for use in producing a signal in a locomotive including in its construction a support rigidly secured u on the truck of the locomotive, mechanism mounted on the support adapted to move vertically relatively to the truck including a depending lever, and a member carried by and depending from the mechanism below the depending extremity of the lever and adapted to raise the said mechanism and lever in meeting and passing over an obstruction.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature, in presence of tWo Witnesses.

CHARLES E. BECKWITH.

Witnesses:

LOUISE H. MAscH, L. M. THURLOW. 

